Thousands of people gathered in Edinburgh for an anti-racism demonstration on Saturday, June 27, exactly one week after an alleged anti-Muslim knife attack that injured five individuals. The 'Reclaim Our Streets' rally, organized by Stand Up to Racism, saw protesters march through the streets of Leith. Attendees included Scottish comedian Frankie Boyle, politicians, trade unions, local residents, and community groups.
Background of the Attack
The demonstration followed a series of alleged knife attacks on Friday, June 19. Two 22-year-old men were stabbed multiple times after prayers at Broomhouse Mosque and taken to hospital. Three others, aged 24, 27, and 29, were attacked on Leith Walk, and a taxi and petrol station were also targeted. Lewis Hawkes, 36, has been charged with five counts of attempted murder with a terrorist connection and was remanded in custody after appearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
Rally Details
The march paused at the exact location on Leith Walk where one of the attacks occurred. A minute of silence was observed before the march resumed. Trams and traffic were halted by the thousands of demonstrators. Chants of 'say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here' echoed through the area, and signs reading 'Leith is for everyone' and 'stop Islamophobia, stop the hate' were displayed.
Statement from Organizers
Stand Up to Racism released a statement condemning the attacks and the far right. It read: 'From Belfast to Glasgow, and now Edinburgh, people have been targeted because of who they are, what they look like, or what they believe. Many people in our Black, Asian, Muslim, migrant and refugee communities are scared, angry and understandably concerned about what comes next. Some are questioning whether it is safe to walk their own streets, travel home at night, or go about their daily lives without fear of abuse or attack. That is exactly what the far right wants. They want to spread fear. They want communities to retreat into silence. They want people to feel isolated and alone. We refuse to let them succeed. The overwhelming majority of people in Edinburgh reject racism and hate. Our city belongs to all of us, and we will not allow a small number of violent bigots to terrorise our communities or dictate who feels safe in our streets.'
Victims' Accounts
Two students from India, who arrived in Edinburgh just four weeks ago to study master's degrees, spoke about their ordeal. One suffered seven stab wounds across his body and face, requiring 35 stitches; the other sustained five stab wounds and needed 17 stitches. They said they are now too scared to leave their homes, unable to sleep, eat, or speak to loved ones. One student stated: 'It's hard to comprehend what happened. Coming to Scotland is the worst decision I have ever made. Before we arrived, I'd heard a lot about this being a safe country and a beautiful place. That's why I picked Edinburgh when I was deciding where to study. Now I am thinking, is this what happens here?' The second added: 'I'm traumatised and I don't want to leave my room. I'm so afraid. I could never have expected that a terrible incident like this would happen here.'
Official Responses
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attacks, describing them as apparently motivated by 'anti-Muslim hatred'. First Minister John Swinney met the two students privately and later described them as 'traumatised' by the events. Counter-terrorism police were called to Leith after the attacks, and footage showed a bare-chested white man wielding a large weapon, while another video showed a topless man on the ground shouting he was 'protecting the country' as he was held down by an officer.
